Improvement in breech-loading fire-asms



@uiten tets utent giften.,

JULIUS ELSON, O 'BOSTON-, MASSAG-HUSETTS.

Letters Patent No. 71,149, dated November 19, 1867.

IMPROVEMENT 1N Bussen-LOADING riss-ARMS..

dige Segnale prima in in time Stetten ntnit mit ticking niet tithe nime TO ALL .WHOM IT MAY CONCERN:

Be it known that I, JULrUs Etsen, of Boston, in the county of Suliollc, and State of Massachusetts, have invented a new and useful Improvement in Breech-Loading Fire-Arms, of which the following is a full, clear,l and exact description, reference being had to the accompanying drawings, making a part of this specification, in wliichi Figure 1 represents an elevation of aportion of a tire-arm with my improvement.

.Figure 2 is a longitudinal section of the same with theI breech open; and

Figure is a section ot a douhle-burrelled gun.

Figures 4 and 5 are details. j

The main object of my invention is to provide for the alteration, i-n a simple-and economical manner, of. a muzzle-loading {irc-arm toa breech-loader, although it may be applied equally well to' the manufacture of a breech-loading fire-arm originally, whereby the breech of .the said arm may, by asimple movement, be opened to a position for the insertion oi' a cartridge or load, and likewise be as easily and securely closed 'to a position for firing; and the invention consists in hinging the barrel to a break-editor breech-block attached to the stock, and providing it in the rear ofthe hinge with a hinged `scrc5v-rod that passes down through thesaid breechblock. Upon the said screw-rod is fitted a groovcd nut attached to or forming a part of a lever that extends to the rear, and is secured in position to the trigger-guard or otherwise when the breech is closed or open. In4 the groove ofthe said nut is fitted e. fixed projection attached to the underside of the breech-block, so that as the nut is turned it will maintain its position near the breeehbut Cause the vscrew-rod to ascend or descend and carry with it the rear end oi the barrel ot the gun, whereby the breech isopened or closed as required.

By referring to the drawings, fig. l, A represents the .barrel ot' a common single yor doubleharrelled irearm. S is the stock. B represents the break-oi? or breech-block, which is made of a solid piece otA metal, and inserted in the stock in such a manner as not to weaken the same or interfere with Athe lock- At .the TGM end 0f the under side of the barrel A-is hrazed or otherwise 4iirmly attached a metallic plate or piece, D, which is pivoted or hinged to the forward end of the breech-block B, as Shownat a. A short distance from the rear of the hinge a is hinged a rod, b, which passes down through thebreech-block B, and is provided with a sorewthread on its lower portion. Upon this threaded portion is iitted anut, d, which is formed with a groove or recess on its circumference. The said nut is attached to or forms a part of a lever, CLWhieh extends to the Tem, mld, spngng Over the trigger-guard G, is secured in position by means of a pin or projection, p, fitting in a hole in the trigger-guard. To the lower part of the breech-block B is attached a projection, c, which fits in thc groove or recess in the nut d in such a manner as to admit of the latter turning freely, but preventing itv from rising or falling, so that as the lever is moved around, making an entire revolution on the screwpln as an axis, the said screw-pin will he raised or lowered and thus elevate or depress the breech oftheherrel. 'Ihe thread of the screw may be made quicker or slower, as may be required, in a larger or smaller-piece, to bring the breech to the proper position for inserting a cartridge. ,Between the nut al and the under side oi'v'the breech* block B is a disk'or washer, h, of the form shown in figs. 4 and 5, and rendered elastic by means of cuts or notches on its edge, so as to enable the nut to be made to bear firmly against the breecl1-hloclc :and compensate forany wear inthe screw or nut. Near the rear end of the plate or portion I) is aprojection, E, whichis mnd@ somewhat of a curved form, and fitting within a corresponding recess, f, in the breech-block when the breech is closed, so that as the barrel turns upon the hinge a', theprojection E will enter the recess, and thus aid'in reslstn ing the force ofthe exploding charge. l

When the breech is to he opened for the insertion of a4 cartridge, the lever C is released from the triggergnaid and turned once entirely around, thus causing the screw-rod b to rise and elevate the rear end of the breech suiiiciently above the breech-block for the purpose. y

What Iclaim as new, and desire toV secure hy Letters Patent, is v 1. The lever C, provided with the grooved nut d, in combination with theprojeetion e and the hinged screwrod b, as and for the purpose set forth. v

2. I claim the combination of the solid `breech-block B, when constructed as described, the hinged barrel A, thd projection E, and tho hinged serew-rod b, as and for the purpose specified.

In testimony whereofl have signed my name to this specification in the presence of two subscribing witnesses.

. JULIUs nLsON.

Witnesses:

AJ. H. ADAMS,

M. S. G. WILDE. 

